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Heart Condition - Time to say Goodbye?

Dom R

Dom R

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Apr 3, 2017
Messages
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Location
United Kingdom
Hi all,

I think I'm going to have to say goodbye to my little fluff ball this week. He was diagnosed with a heart condition back in March, and has been on Vetmedin and Frusol ever since. I'm just wondering what you guys think, I've tried to email my vet but she hasn't replied yet.

He's started sleeping a lot more, and only really getting 'active' whenever I pick him up, or offer their daily veggies. He doesn't even really come out for hay anymore, so he's currently on fresh grass that I've grown in trays for them. His poops have gone funny/soft (Happened before changing to fresh grass), his breathing seems to be a worsening and the medications don't seem to be doing too much anymore. His normal weight was anywhere from 1300-1350g, he's currently around 1200g. He's losing probably on average 5g/day, but would probably be more if I didn't give him the grass. There's probably a small amount of weight being the liquid in his chest cavity. While he still seems happy whenever I get him out, or give him the food above, he's not happy whenever he's in his enclosure, which is the majority of the day, he just sleeps or nibbles a few pellets. I can't keep him out too long because it's strenuous on his heart, and his ear goes bright pink/purple just from moving around a little.

I'm super anxious about saying goodbye, just because he seems happy whenever he's out and about, and I worry that it's too early, despite telling myself that it isn't, and it'll most likely only get worse.

My primary issue is, is that I've never had to deal with heart conditions before, and from what I can tell, they're slightly different when it comes to the end of their life. I'm used to piggies showing me that it's time, through pain, completely off eating, treatment not working and them giving up completely. My vet stated beforehand that when it comes to end of life, the symptoms essentially just worsen. I'd happily give him mushed up pellets to keep the weight up, but is it really worth the fight with the rest of his symptoms worsening?

Just wondering what you guys would do in this position, is it time to let him go?
 
I can't advise I'm afraid as never had a heart piggy. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you at this hard time and whatever you decide will be the correct decision. You know your piggy the best and will know when its the right time to say goodbye. :hug: :hug:
 
I’m so sorry for the situation you’re in 😞 I’m afraid that nobody can tell you what to do but you know your piggy the best and he will tell you when it’s time to say goodbye. Look in to his eyes and if the sparkle has gone and if he’s no longer living a quality life, then it’s time (((hugs))) x
 
I’m so sorry you are getting near to making that awful decision. But whatever you choose it’s made from your deep love of your little piggie. It’s a very hard decision to make, I remember with Ted back in December, when he was poorly again and thinking I just can’t let him suffer. I think there’s a saying “Better a day too early than a day too late“ and I think it’s a view held by many on this forum, I think you will know when that time has come :hug:
 
Betsy said:
I can't advise I'm afraid as never had a heart piggy. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you at this hard time and whatever you decide will be the correct decision. You know your piggy the best and will know when its the right time to say goodbye. :hug: :hug:
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Thank you

Claire W said:
I’m so sorry for the situation you’re in 😞 I’m afraid that nobody can tell you what to do but you know your piggy the best and he will tell you when it’s time to say goodbye. Look in to his eyes and if the sparkle has gone and if he’s no longer living a quality life, then it’s time (((hugs))) x
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Thank you. I hate being in this situation. His sparkle is there but not as bright, like when he's having cuddles, eating his grass and veggies he seems okay. But the rest of the time he's just spending it sleeping in his hut.

Bill & Ted said:
I’m so sorry you are getting near to making that awful decision. But whatever you choose it’s made from your deep love of your little piggie. It’s a very hard decision to make, I remember with Ted back in December, when he was poorly again and thinking I just can’t let him suffer. I think there’s a saying “Better a day too early than a day too late“ and I think it’s a view held by many on this forum, I think you will know when that time has come :hug:
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Thank you. Whatever I pick will be in his best interest. I'd normally be able to pick but he's not really telling me that it's time, but from what I've heard, is that with heart piggies is that they go from being okay to dying within a few days, I don't want that for him. For some reason I would feel guilty doing it when he's not necessarily telling me. I'm mainly going off of the fact his symptoms are worsening.

He's on 1/4 of a Vetmedin tablet twice daily, and 2ml of 20mg/5ml Frusol. He was on 2.5ml for a while but it didn't improve it any further.

I'm not great at making decisions, especially at the minute, which I'm hoping for opinions from people who have been through this before. Although ultimately it would be my decision. I just feel guilty and wonder if I could do anything more, despite doing everything I probably could.
 
Please try not to feel guilty because you have done everything possible for your boy. And I’m pretty sure he knows it too. You have given him plenty of happy todays since his diagnosis - their only focus is a happy today with no view of the future like us. That’s what makes it hard.

It may be a difficult decision but I think you will know when the time is right. It may not be a huge flag blowing in the wind but it will be noticeable to you. Wishing you all the best 💕
 
Siikibam said:
Please try not to feel guilty because you have done everything possible for your boy. And I’m pretty sure he knows it too. You have given him plenty of happy todays since his diagnosis - their only focus is a happy today with no view of the future like us. That’s what makes it hard.

It may be a difficult decision but I think you will know when the time is right. It may not be a huge flag blowing in the wind but it will be noticeable to you. Wishing you all the best 💕
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Thank you. I think it'd be easier to decide, but he still wheeks at the odd thing here and there. He still chats when having cuddles. He's just slowly going downhill and I know that heart conditions are a death sentence, unless something else takes them beforehand of course.
It's just he's not showing the usual signs that I'm used to, and that's throwing me off. My other guinea pigs stopped eating, seemed really down and in extreme discomfort or pain. But I think the reason I'm used to that is because they passed from something that doesn't gradually get worse, and can possibly be cured/treated.
 
Dom R said:
Thank you


Thank you. I hate being in this situation. His sparkle is there but not as bright, like when he's having cuddles, eating his grass and veggies he seems okay. But the rest of the time he's just spending it sleeping in his hut.


Thank you. Whatever I pick will be in his best interest. I'd normally be able to pick but he's not really telling me that it's time, but from what I've heard, is that with heart piggies is that they go from being okay to dying within a few days, I don't want that for him. For some reason I would feel guilty doing it when he's not necessarily telling me. I'm mainly going off of the fact his symptoms are worsening.

He's on 1/4 of a Vetmedin tablet twice daily, and 2ml of 20mg/5ml Frusol. He was on 2.5ml for a while but it didn't improve it any further.

I'm not great at making decisions, especially at the minute, which I'm hoping for opinions from people who have been through this before. Although ultimately it would be my decision. I just feel guilty and wonder if I could do anything more, despite doing everything I probably could.
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I would try and discuss his condition with the vet and see if there is anything medicine wise that could be tweaked to help him. It is a very hard choice, but ultimately you need to feel comfortable with it. It’s so sad, but please look after yourself too. These situations take a big toll on your own health too x
 
Bill & Ted said:
I would try and discuss his condition with the vet and see if there is anything medicine wise that could be tweaked to help him. It is a very hard choice, but ultimately you need to feel comfortable with it. It’s so sad, but please look after yourself too. These situations take a big toll on your own health too x
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I've tried to message his vet but have gotten no reply. She did mention beforehand that the Vetmedin cannot be changed, only the Frusol, but he's already on essentially the highest dosage (being 3ml twice daily of 20mg/5ml). And he's on 2-2.5ml twice daily with no effect really, so there is extremely little I can do in my opinion.
He got diagnosed after it had progressed quite far. He was showing symptoms for a good 1-1.5 months before the diagnosis (cannot remember). So that would've impacted it quite a lot.
 
Dom R said:
I've tried to message his vet but have gotten no reply. She did mention beforehand that the Vetmedin cannot be changed, only the Frusol, but he's already on essentially the highest dosage (being 3ml twice daily of 20mg/5ml). And he's on 2-2.5ml twice daily with no effect really, so there is extremely little I can do in my opinion.
He got diagnosed after it had progressed quite far. He was showing symptoms for a good 1-1.5 months before the diagnosis (cannot remember). So that would've impacted it quite a lot.
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So sorry then, looks like you have explored every avenue x
 
Bill & Ted said:
So sorry then, looks like you have explored every avenue x
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Yeah, I've done as much as I can. I just feel bad about whether or not I would be doing it too early, although in his best interest I think that while he's really only just starting to go downhill. It's the guilt that's overwhelming.
 
Sorry for what you're going through. I felt far more guilty and disturbed when I over treated a piggy for too long, than when I came to a decision to go for euthanasia when a piggy seemed fine but I knew for sure would get much worse soon.
Perhaps the next few days will help you decide.
 
Black piggies said:
Sorry for what you're going through. I felt far more guilty and disturbed when I over treated a piggy for too long, than when I came to a decision to go for euthanasia when a piggy seemed fine but I knew for sure would get much worse soon.
Perhaps the next few days will help you decide.
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I'd definitely feel worse if he goes downhill super quick, and I don't make it to a vets in time. I'm anywhere from Friday, and probably Monday at the latest. I think because he can't hold his own, and keep his weight up it'll most likely be Friday, but I'll decide closer to the time.
 
I got Peanut booked in tomorrow morning, I'm heartbroken. It was the only appointment I could get other than on Monday, which I would be too uncomfortable and stressed to wait for.
 
I’m so sorry you’re having to say goodbye to him, it sounds like you’ve given him a great life and you only want the best for him. So tough to have to make those decisions :( big hugs x
 
So sorry for your situation and having to make that tough decision.
Even when we know it’s the right choice and one made out of love it still hurts.
Holding you in my heart
 
Black piggies said:
Aw sorry for what you're facing 😞
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alpacasqueak said:
I’m so sorry you’re having to say goodbye to him, it sounds like you’ve given him a great life and you only want the best for him. So tough to have to make those decisions :( big hugs x
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Claire W said:
I’m so sorry the time has come to say goodbye :( You’ve given him a wonderful life. Cherish the memories (((hugs))) x
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Betsy said:
It's the last act of love you can give to Peanut. You've given him lots of happy todays and that's all a piggy wants and needs. It's so hard to say goodbye. :hug: :hug:
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Merab's Slave said:
So sorry for your situation and having to make that tough decision.
Even when we know it’s the right choice and one made out of love it still hurts.
Holding you in my heart
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Bill & Ted said:
So sorry, we’ll be thinking of you both tomorrow :(
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Thank you all, I appreciate it.

I also want to remember him while he's still mostly himself. As hard as it is, and as hard as it is to face the guilt about doing it 'early', I would feel so much more guilty letting him carry on and waiting till he goes downhill completely, and I think in this situation it would be selfish of me to do so. I don't know how much time I'd get extra with him, could be a few days to a few weeks, but it wouldn't be worth it, and to watch him deteriorate would be awful.

He'll be joining my other piggies over the rainbow bridge, with all the bell pepper and grass that he could wish for.

Sorry if I missed anyone in the quotes
 
We're all here for you. Little Peanut had a beautiful life with his loving piggy-slave, you've made the decision purely out of love and respect. Be easy on yourself as you grieve, vent away whenever you feel like it ❤️

Popcorn free, Peanut, nothing holding you back now!🌈
 
I hope that the guilt will ease. You have done what you think is right for him. Just enjoy the time, squeeze in some cuddles and show him all that love you’ve been showing all along. 💕
 
Betsy said:
I know it's hard not to feel guilty but you really shouldn't. You've given Peanut the best life and you're giving him dignity in death too by not letting him suffer.
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RosieLily said:
We're all here for you. Little Peanut had a beautiful life with his loving piggy-slave, you've made the decision purely out of love and respect. Be easy on yourself as you grieve, vent away whenever you feel like it ❤️

Popcorn free, Peanut, nothing holding you back now!🌈
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Siikibam said:
I hope that the guilt will ease. You have done what you think is right for him. Just enjoy the time, squeeze in some cuddles and show him all that love you’ve been showing all along. 💕
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Thank you all, he's now at peace and has been helped over the rainbow bridge.

Before we passed him over he peed in my hand, which I see as a last goodbye. I also think he was struggling a lot to hold his bladder, and even think there were bits of blood in his urine, as he's had no red food to change the colour of it.

I definitely think it was the right time, and I must say at the minute I'm relieved. To know that he's at peace, and will no longer be ill. Now I just have to make sure my other piggies are okay, mainly Coco as he was his cagemate. Although Ash and Coco don't get on, they can still chat and see each other, so he shouldn't be too lonely. I'll give him extra cuddles, although he's not really a cuddle type, or a fan of being handled.

I changed their bedding yesterday, as Peanut's loose stools were making a mess on the fleece, but also put some clean pillows and things in for him to leave his smell on, to help Coco.

I've let both of my piggies see and smell him quickly, just to let them know he's gone. Coco started squeaking at him which broke my heart, but once he purred and ran off I knew that he knows what happened. Ash did the same, although he didn't come to see him.
 
So sorry that you had to let him go but sometimes they just can't stay with us however much we'd like them to. He is out of suffering now and Coco has said his goodbyes too. Popcorn free at the Rainbow Bridge Peanut. Get chomping on your favourite food.
 
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Aw sorry for your loss. Peanut would be so grateful that you put him out his suffering, your final act of love for him.
 
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